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Beaulieu is a village in the New Forest.

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Beaulieu village has been owned by the Montagu family since the dissolution of Beaulieu Abbey, and they have followed a policy of developing the tourist potential of the village, resulting in a mixture of attractions from the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. The village itself is very attractive, clustering around the mill pond and the tidal headwaters of the Beaulieu River. Keep an eye open for the ponies and donkeys which can often be found congregating in the village's main street.

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• Beaulieu Abbey, Beaulieu Abbey was a Cistercian abbey, founded in 1204 by King John and was occupied by 30 monks sent from France. The abbey's buildings were of a scale and magnificence reflecting its status as an important royal foundation and it took more than four decades to complete. Beaulieu became a recourse for fugitives, among these was Perkin Warbeck who fled to Beaulieu from the pursuing armies of Henry VII. After the Dissolution of the Monastery in 1538, there was much competition to gain ownership of Beaulieu abbey and its estates, but eventually Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton. As soon as he took over, Wriothesley set about building himself a house on the site, for this he demolished the church. Today, although a great deal was destroyed at the time of the Dissolution, there is still much to see. The ground plan of the 102 meter long church can be seen on the lawns. The Domus, once the lay brothers' refectory now houses an exhibition of monastic life. Visitors can view a series of modern embroidered wall hangings made by Belinda, Lady Montagu, depicting scenes from mediaeval monastic life and the history of the abbey since 1204. The abbey refectory survives as the parish church and the abbey cloister is a place of tranquility, planted with fragrant herbs.

• Beaulieu Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Palace House was originally built in the 13th century as the Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey and has been the ancestral home of a branch of the Montagu family since 1538. The house was extended in the 16th century, and again in the 19th century, and is today a fine example of a Gothic country house. The house overlooks Beaulieu River and is surrounded by lawns and walkways. The inside of the house has been kept in a Victorian style. Although still home to the current Lord and Lady Montagu, parts of the house and gardens are open daily to the public. Today in Palace House, history comes alive with real Victorian characters; tales from the Butler, Cook and Housemaids give a fascinating insight into the workings of a Victorian household, showing their life ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’.

• The National Motor Museum, The National Motor Museum was founded in 1952, at first the museum consisted of just five cars and a small collection of automobilia displayed in the front hall of Palace House, but such was the popularity of this small display that the collection soon outgrew its home. By 1972, the collection exceeded 300 exhibits and these were now housed in a purpose built museum. When the new museum building opened: the name was changed to the National Motor Museum, reflecting a change of status from a private collection to a charitable trust. Today, in addition to around 250 of the most historically important motor vehicles to have been produced since the late-19th century, including four world land speed record holders, the museum is also home to one of the finest collections of motoring books, journals, photographs, films, and automobilia in the world.

• The inclusive admission price covers entrance to the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, World of Top Gear and James Bond Experience, for prices please visit http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/plan-your-visit/prices-and-opening-times. Beaulieu is open (May-Sep) Mon-Sun 10am-6pm and (Oct-Apr) Mon-Sun 10am-5pm. ph:+44(0)1590 612345

• Bucklers Hard ph: +44 (0)1590 616203 [1] Open everyday(Easter-Sep) 10:00am-5pm and (Oct-Easter) 10.00am-4.30pm.Please see website for prices. With its Georgian cottages running down to the river, Bucklers Hard is part of the 9,000 acre Beaulieu Estate. Bucklers Hard was the birthplace of many British naval vessels, including many of Admiral Nelson's fleet, using the timber of the New Forest. The Hard, under the control of Master shipbuilder Henry Adams was responsible for building many famous ships during the late 18th century and early 19th centuries. These included HMS Euryalus, HMS Swiftsure and HMS Agamemnon, all of which fought at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The industry declined in the nineteenth-century and today has a maritime museum, and a modern yachting marina.

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